Sound Status Update – February Newsletter

February 1, 2021

Public Hearing on New Tideflats Rules this Wednesday!

This Wednesday, March 3rd at 5:30pm the City of Tacoma Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed amendments to the Tideflats Interim Regulations. The proposed changes look good for the most part, but we need your help to push for the strongest protections possible!

Since 2017 we have known that the Interim Regulations should be strengthened to include existing fossil fuel facilities, and the Planning Commission has stood by that in their draft recommendation for the new Regulations. We know these facilities are expanding and the expansions of polluting industry directly contradicts the Climate Emergency Resolution the City passed in 2019.

For years Tacomans have stood up against one dangerous fossil fuel project after another and called on the City to permanently ban new and expanded fossil fuels. This is one step to achieving a fossil fuel free future.

Wednesday’s hearing is our first chance to weigh in on the  proposed amendments to the regulations, and we must ensure that the city knows that members of the public stand behind the Planning Commission’s efforts to protect the wellbeing of Tacomans and our shared environment.

The city is accepting public comment on the proposed regulations until March 8th at 5pm.
Click HERE to send a letter directly to the Planning Commission.

Non-interim Regulations Public Hearing – 5:30pm Wednesday March 3rd
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84089136377
Dial: +1 253 215 8782
Webinar ID: 840 8913 6377

Need help drafting your testimony? We’ve prepared talking points you can use HERE!

Finally, Citizens for a Healthy Bay and the Protect the Tacoma Tideflats Coalition are hosting a grassroots educational event Tuesday March 2nd at 5PM to help prepare people to testify at the hearing or send in written comment. Click HERE to register for the event!

Tales From Bay Patrol

On Thursday, February 18th the Fishing Vessel Aleutian Falcon owned by Trident Seafoods, caught on fire. Hazards on board include 48,000 gallons of fuel, 98,000 pounds of ammonia, and 200 pounds of chlorine.

A containment boom was placed around the vessel while Tacoma Fire Department fought the flames from both land and water. Throughout the event, Department of Ecology monitored shoreline impact while the Environmental Protection Agency monitored air quality. Residents nearby were advised to stay indoors while the fire smoldered and a slight sheen was seen on the water’s surface, but is believed to be from debris and fluids washing off the vessel’s deck.

After several days of firefighting efforts, the fire was officially extinguished on Monday, February 22nd at 1pm. Salvage teams continue to dewater the vessel to prevent it from listing and potentially sinking. While there is no indication that the fuel stored in the tanks had been released, oil spill response teams remain on the water. We are watching this situation closely to ensure no more contaminants make it into the bay, and that the vessel is safely decommissioned.

Save the Dates for CHB’s Virtual Auction: May 21 – May 29

Since its official inception in 2002, the Cheers to a Healthy Bay annual benefit auction has raised over $1 million in support of Citizens for a Healthy Bay. This funding is critical to the vitality and growth of the organization every year. Last year, we hosted the first virtual Cheers to a Healthy Bay and were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from donors and sponsors. With over $70,000 raised at last year’s benefit, CHB was able to continue to fund our work to protect Commencement Bay and our South Sound waterways.

We hope that you will join us this May for our 20th Cheers to a Healthy Bay annual benefit auction. This year’s virtual auction will include several vacation packages, local staycations, outdoor offerings, boat excursions, local art, and much much more!! Stay home, stay safe, and score some great items while supporting CHB and the work that we do. More details to come, so stay tuned!

Interested in donating an item or becoming a sponsor? Contact CHB’s Development Director Katy Stone at kstone@healthybay.org or (253) 383-2429 ext. 4